
Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Mwanza, Tanzania
1. Kigoma Airport (KNM)
Located in Kigoma, near the border with Burundi and Congo. Offers limited domestic flights to Dar es Salaam and Bujumbura.
- Limited Flight Options: Only offers domestic flights to a few destinations
- Border Location: Near the border with Burundi and Congo, providing easy access to these countries
- Smaller Airport: A smaller airport compared to others in Tanzania, offering a more intimate travel experience
2. Mwanza Airport (MWZ)
Main airport serving Mwanza city, with domestic and international flights. Offers services to major destinations like Dar es Salaam.
- Domestic & International Flights: Offers both domestic and international flight options
- Main City Airport: Serves as the main airport for Mwanza city
- Regular Connections: Regular flights to Dar es Salaam and other destinations
3. Dodoma Airport (DOD)
Located in the capital city of Dodoma. Offers domestic flights to major cities including Mwanza.
- Capital City Airport: Serves as the capital city's airport
- Domestic Flight Services: Offers domestic flight services to various cities, including Mwanza
- Changing Capital Status: Moving towards becoming the permanent capital city of Tanzania
4. Shared Taxis (Daladala)
Affordable and widely-used transportation option in Mwanza. Daladalas travel along specific routes and can drop you off at your destination.
- Cost-Effective: An affordable way to travel within the city
- Specific Routes: Travel along specific routes and can be used for getting around the city
- Shared Transportation: A shared taxi, meaning multiple passengers share a single vehicle
5. Taxis (Private)
More expensive but offers door-to-door service. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.
- Door-to-Door Service: Offers door-to-door service
- More Expensive: More expensive compared to shared taxis (daladalas)
- Advance Booking Option: Can be booked in advance for convenience
6. Car Rental Services
Allows you to rent a car during your stay. Great option for exploring the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.
- Explore at Your Own Pace: Gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace
- Additional Costs: Requires additional costs for fuel and potential parking fees
- Driving Requirements: Requires a valid driver's license and familiarity with driving on the opposite side of the road
7. Buses
Long-distance bus services connect Mwanza to other cities in Tanzania. Buses offer comfortable seating and reasonable prices.
- Long-Distance Travel: Connects Mwanza to other cities in Tanzania
- Comfortable Seating: Offers comfortable seating for long-distance travel
- Reasonable Prices: Prices are reasonable compared to flying
8. Water Taxis (Lake Victoria)
Water taxis offer a unique way to travel across Lake Victoria. They can be used for crossing the lake to reach islands and neighboring countries.
- Unique Travel Experience: Offers a unique travel experience on the water
- Cross Lake Victoria: Used for crossing Lake Victoria to reach islands and neighboring countries
- Seasonal Considerations: Seasonal considerations may affect travel, such as rough water during storms
9. Boda-Bodas (Motorcycle Taxis)
Fast and affordable motorcycle taxis. Ideal for short distances within the city.
- Affordable: An affordable option for traveling short distances
- Fast Transportation: Offers fast transportation, ideal for short distances
- Sharing Rides: Shared rides are common, which helps keep costs low
10. Uber (in Dar es Salaam)
Ride-hailing service available in Dar es Salaam. Offers door-to-door service and can be booked via a smartphone app.
- Door-to-Door Service: Offers door-to-door service
- Smartphone App: Can be booked via a smartphone app
- Only Available in Dar es Salaam: Currently only available in Dar es Salaam, not Mwanza
11. Airport Shuttle Services
Some hotels offer airport shuttle services to and from the airport. Check with your hotel for availability.
- Hotel Provided: Offered by some hotels as a service
- To and From Airport: Provides transportation to and from the airport
- Check with Hotel: Availability depends on the hotel
12. City Tours
Guided tours allow you to explore Mwanza's attractions while learning about local culture and history.
- Learn Local Culture & History: Provides an opportunity to learn about local culture and history
- Attractions Included: Includes visits to popular attractions in Mwanza
- Professional Guide: Offered by professional tour guides who provide insights and information
13. Ferry Services (Lake Victoria)
Ferries offer a way to travel between islands in Lake Victoria. They can be used for both passengers and vehicles.
- Travel Between Islands: Used for traveling between islands in Lake Victoria
- Vehicles Allowed: Allows vehicles, making it easier to travel with your own vehicle
- Seasonal Considerations: Seasonal considerations may affect travel, such as rough water during storms
14. Train Services (Tazara Line)
Train services connect Mwanza with Dar es Salaam and other cities. Offers a scenic journey through Tanzania's countryside.
- Scenic Journey: Offers a scenic journey through Tanzania's countryside
- Connections to Major Cities: Connects Mwanza with major cities like Dar es Salaam
- Longer Travel Time: Travel time is longer compared to flying or buses
15. Airport Lodges (Mwanza Airport)
Some airports offer lodges for travelers who have late-night or early-morning flights. Provides a comfortable place to rest before departing.
- Comfortable Rest: Offers a comfortable place to rest before your flight
- Late-Night or Early-Morning Flights: Ideal for travelers with late-night or early-morning flights
- Additional Costs: Requires additional costs, which may not be covered by your airline